REPORT: Dundalk 0-0 AEK Larnaca

Dundalk hopes of progressing to the third round and a plum tie against Ajax or Sturm Graz were dealt with a fighting chance following a scoreless draw over Cypriot cup holders AEK Larnaca in the Europa League.

The current SSE Airtricity League leaders while looked very threatening during the course of the game could not find a break through as both sides maintained a clean sheet to take into next weeks game in Larnaca.

Ivan Trickovsk showed the first shot in anger for the visitors but Rogers did well to pull a smart save. Moments later the in form Michael Duffy cut inside on the left but his effort clipped the post and wide, in games such as this pin point accuracy its the name of the game and it eluded the midfielder at the crucial time.

The best chance of the half for AEK came when Joan Tomas received the ball in the area, but his effort was bravely blocked by Sean Hoare, his second effort however sailed over the bar, much to the relief of the Dundalk home crowd.

Duffy and Benson both had half chances but didn’t trouble neither the keeper or the defence. Early in the second half a massive chance was missed by AEK Larnaca when a free kick was sent in and Truyols was very close to tapping the ball past Rogers.

Patrick Hoban picked the ball up from Benson moments later and unleashed a great shot which Ramirez did well to save. The change of the game was when Patrick McEleney came into the game, his creative drive forward was a big impact.

While Dundalk did have chances none of them really tested the keepers resolve. But it could have turned very bad only for a refereeing change of heart see him rescind a red card for Patrick Hoban, the loss of the striker would have had a massive impact to Kenny’s plans next week.

For now he will have to deal with the loss of defender Dane Massey through suspension. Dundalk have only failed to score once during Kenny’s time away from home, they would have learnt from the 2016 loss to BATE Borisov.